I anchor my bull thesis on British American Tobacco's third FY25 revenue upgrade, 95% cash-flow conversion, planned 2.0–2.5x leverage, and an increased £1.3bn 2026 buyback despite deleveraging. H1 2025 US revenue grew 3.7% despite a 7.6% combustibles volume decline, with pricing lifting combustibles revenue 11.4% and Velo Plus lifting the modern oral segment. I also see vapour and heated products as headwinds. Vuse revenue faces a high-single-digit FY25 decline, glo revenue is flat, and heated share is down 1.2 ppt.
There is an apparent shift in how Wall Street views the stock market, as retail investors are increasingly doubting the AI rally.
Based on the earnings outlook and tax rate projection from its 2025 interim report, British American Tobacco now resembles an equity bond yielding ~12%. To make it more attractive, I also see significant coupon growth potential in the years to come. My growth rate projection is ~5% annually (vs. 6%+ from consensus) based on its strong ROCE and capital allocation flexibility.
| Tobacco Industry | Consumer Staples Sector | Tadeu Luiz Marroco CEO | CXA Exchange | US1104481072 ISIN |
| GB Country | 48,989 Employees | 30 Dec 2025 Last Dividend | 14 Feb 2017 Last Split | 14 Apr 1980 IPO Date |
British American Tobacco p.l.c. is a global leader in the tobacco and nicotine market, offering a wide range of products to consumers across the world. Founded in 1902, the company has established a strong presence in the industry with its headquarters located in London, United Kingdom. British American Tobacco is committed to providing adult consumers with a variety of tobacco and nicotine products, maintaining a portfolio that includes traditional cigarettes to newer, reduced-risk products.